Having reached 50 Test scalps with a bullet, Philander has been brought to a halt this tour - wicketless and conceding 0/103 in the drawn series opener at the Gabba.

"It is difficult, it is the nature of the sport we play. He has had such an incredible run to his career there are bound to be tough games along the way and I certainly think he has the character to bounce back from that," Smith said.

"I don't think he bowled really badly in Brisbane and (he) still created a number of chances that could easily have gone to hand and I still expect him to play a really positive role in this game."

Philander's accuracy has garnered 31 wickets at 13.23 in four Tests on lively South African pitches and 33 at 21.57 in seven Tests away - against England and New Zealand.

However the man whose control and hold over batsman at a modest 125km/h has drawn comparisons with Test legend McGrath must prove he's no one-trick pony.

"We didn't have any green tracks in England and he did pretty well. I think that he will be pretty good. He had some real zip in the nets, the ball is swinging and I expect good things from him," said Smith, who has ordered his attack to eliminate the no-ball scourge that cost the wickets of Michael Clarke and Ed Cowan in Brisbane.

Tahir was the casualty of the Proteas' botched four-pronged pace policy in Brisbane but faces a challenge against an Australian line-up sporting five left-handers in the top seven.

"He certainly has used rough well in the times he has played for us, created a lot of stress for Andrew Strauss and the left-handers in England. The wrong'un turning away from the bat is also not a bad option. I think he can contribute," said Smith of 33-year-old Tahir.

Tahir debuted with Philander in South Africa's eight-wicket win against Australia at Cape Town last November. The Pakistani export has less than half of Philander's Test tally - with 26 wickets at 40 in 10 Tests - but remains a "key" bowler, says Smith.

"He will be anxious to always do well, it is Imran's personality," Smith said.

"All of us in the team would love to see him pick up a huge wicket haul."

Smith said criticism of South Africa being forced to fight for a draw had underlined the respect and expectation commanded as the No.1 ranked Test side.